Altenew Educator Certification Program - Final Challenge Level 2 - Part 2

 

Welcome to My Crafty Corner

 Level Two Challenge - Part 2

Altered Item/Upcycled Project 

Hello Everyone!  Welcome to Part 2.

An additional part of the challenge involves creating a project that involves altering or upcycling an item. This is a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into something old or unused, transforming it into a beautiful and functional piece.

We’re lucky to have a consignment/thrift shop right in town—packed with treasures waiting to be discovered and transformed.

I recently found a trio of plain flameless candles and a set of oversized seashells that begged for a makeover. When Erum shared this challenge, I knew exactly what I’d be altering.

The Inspiration

Project ideas inspired by these classes:

• Let It Shine — clear sparkly sequins, Mayan Gold Shimmer paste, metallic gold acrylic markers

• Color Your Day — inspiration from fabrics, wallpaper, household items, architecture and repeating elements

• Easy Ink Blending Techniques — quick, approachable ink blending ideas

This project began with a thrift-store lamp at home; its floral details and gentle hues caught my eye. 

The Lamp 

The Candles

Tip: For best results with mixed media, start with a clean surface. I wiped the candles with a soft paper towel and 91% isopropyl alcohol.

Supplies:  Altenew:  Rose Reverie Stamp Set; Rose Reverie Stencil Set; Fresh Dye Inks - Hydrangea, Dusty Pink, Blush Rose, Misty Sage, Oak Moss, Honeydew Glow, Honey Drizzle; Mayan Gold Shimmer Relief Paste; Stampwheel and sticky mat; Essential Permanent Markers - Gold; Black Obsidian Pigment Ink; mini and detail blending brushes

From my stash:  YES paste; paint brush, sponge, Dina Wakley Tissue Paper; clear sparkle gems; heat tool

The Ink Blending

Tissue paper has a shiny side and a dull side. Choose the dull side: it blends smoothly and holds ink beautifully.

Tips: 

• Don’t over-ink—tap into what’s on your brush
• Light pressure builds color beautifully over time
• Blend inks together to get smooth, varied hues

How to Stamp on Tissue Paper

• Place tissue paper on the stamp wheel/sticky mat
• Stamp the image 8 times using black obsidian pigment ink
• Heat set with a heat tool so the ink doesn’t smear

How to Ink Blend on Tissue Paper

• Clean your stencil set between each use
• When making multiples, fully color each image separately so they don’t look identical
• Vary and mix colors to add interest
• Use a light touch
• Add more color where images meet or overlap to create shadows and push them back
• Add less color to bring areas forward and add dimension
• Take your time and enjoy the process

Prepare Images for Easy Adhesion

• Use a wet brush to trace the item’s outline
• Tear the tissue paper edges
• Soft, torn edges melt into the background
• Sharp edges are more visible and can pull focus

How to adhere tissue paper images

TIPS:

• Use a liquid adhesive
• Options like Mod Podge, Gel Medium, or Collage Medium will adhere and seal, forming a resist.
• For this project I wanted to possibly add more color later, so I picked YES Paste—great adhesion without a sealed resist
• Go light on adhesive
• Too much or too wet can smear dye ink

• Use an old brush, then rinse it right away.
• Plan your image placement
• Brush adhesive onto the surface
• Lay the tissue image over the adhesive
• Brush adhesive on top to smooth bubbles
• Embrace light wrinkles—they add character
• Add images to the front and back
• Cover the whole piece so it feels finished

How to add Mayan Gold Shimmer Relief Paste

Shimmer Paste Application

• Scoop shimmer paste from the container with a palette knife
• Place a small amount on a glass mat
• Use a sponge to dab the paste onto the candle
• Blend the edges, slightly overlapping the tissue paper images
• Apply unevenly for added interest
• Set aside to dry

How to Apply the Gold Metallic Marker

• Prime the marker for a smooth flow
• Paint the top of each candle
• draw a fine line around the bottom

Add Gems

Adhere them on with liquid glue and sprinkle them wherever you want more shine. They catch the light beautifully from all viewpoints.

The Sea Shells - Bonus Project

I had a few tissue paper cutouts left, so I dressed up two big seashells. When my desk is already a mess, I love making as much as I can. 

Thank you for stopping by and checking out my projects.